Mon Nov 18 14:29:59 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka’s NPP Sweeps to Power, Forms New Cabinet

**Colombo, November 18, 2024** – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today installed a new 21-member cabinet following his National People’s Power (NPP) party’s landslide victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The NPP secured a commanding two-thirds majority with 159 seats, ending what the President called “divisive politics” and ushering in a new era of governance.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya retained her post, and several key portfolios, including Defence, Finance, Planning, and Digital Economy, remain under President Dissanayake’s direct control. Vijitha Herath continues as Foreign Minister. The new parliament boasts historic levels of female representation, with 21 women MPs, as well as the country’s first ever MP with a visual disability, Sugath Wasantha De Silva.

The NPP campaigned on a platform of rooting out corruption and economic reform. Their sweeping victory allows them to implement their ambitious agenda, particularly crucial as Sri Lanka grapples with ongoing economic recovery efforts. An IMF delegation is currently in Colombo reviewing the country’s progress, with the next tranche of a $2.9 billion bailout expected following a positive assessment. President Dissanayake urged the IMF to consider the hardships faced by Sri Lankans while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The government plans to prioritize social spending, focusing on combating child poverty and malnutrition, and supporting people with disabilities.

In his address following the swearing-in, President Dissanayake stressed the immense responsibility of the new government and the need for collective effort to deliver effective governance. He emphasized a shift from political activism to strong leadership, marking a new chapter for the nation. While celebrating the victory, he cautioned against complacency, stating that the true measure of success will be the quality of governance delivered from this point forward.

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